Discount carrier Ryanair seeks entry to TA market

“Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair, is examining options to operate regular flights to Israel from Scandinavia, Germany, Italy and center of Europe, the Tourism Ministry said Wednesday, even as El Al announced plans to raise fares by 4%.

Ryanair, which operates 516 routes from 26 cities in 23 countries across Europe, determines charges for each destination based on the length of the flight. One hour of flight time on Ryanair costs ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬20-ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬30, so a one-way ticket to Israel from Europe is expected to cost travelers ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ 60-ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬120.

Benny Berger, head of new destinations for the carrier was in Israel for the third time last week and met with Israel Airports Authority heads, senior officials at the Tourism and Transportation Ministries, as well as with representatives of the handling companies that operate in Israel.”